AvtoVAZ has confirmed a new strategic move by signing an agreement to acquire Nissan’s Russian assets from FSUE NAMI, a development announced by the automaker’s press service. The arrangement marks a significant shift in Russia’s automotive landscape as AvtoVAZ takes control of a major production footprint previously held by Nissan in the country.
Under the terms of the deal, AvtoVAZ JSC will own 99 percent of the authorized capital of Nissan Manufacturing Rus LLC for a nominal one euro, calculated at the exchange rate on the payment date, with the settlement made in ruble terms. The agreement also preserves a call option that would allow Nissan to reacquire the assets within a six-year window, providing a structured path for potential future collaboration or adjustments to the arrangement.
Maxim Sokolov, president of AvtoVAZ, outlined plans to commence production of C- and D-segment vehicles under the Lada brand at the former Nissan plant in the second half of 2023. He indicated a localization strategy spanning 2024 through 2027, leveraging the plant as a hub for regional manufacturing with the involvement of more than 30 local auto parts suppliers. This approach aims to strengthen regional supply chains, reduce import dependency, and foster a broader ecosystem of automotive components in the area.
The development follows earlier disclosures that AvtoVAZ expected to manufacture around 10,000 vehicles at a St. Petersburg facility in 2023, with ambitions to grow output to between 50,000 and 70,000 units annually in the years ahead. The transaction underscores a broader trend of consolidation in Russia’s automotive sector, where legacy brands and newer players are restructuring production networks to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments.
From a strategic perspective, the acquisition could signal a shift in brand positioning for AvtoVAZ as it expands its portfolio beyond traditional Lada offerings. The planned C- and D-segment models would complement existing lines and could appeal to a broader spectrum of Canadian and American consumers who value practical, value-oriented vehicles with an emphasis on local production and supply chain resilience. The move also raises questions about the long-term role of international partnerships in Russia’s automotive industry and how such agreements will influence technology transfer, supplier development, and workforce training in the region.
Analysts note that the combination of a large-scale production facility, a substantial network of suppliers, and a defined localization timeline positions AvtoVAZ to accelerate growth while maintaining flexibility in response to market dynamics. The six-year buy-back option for Nissan adds a layer of strategic complexity, signaling ongoing negotiations about the optimal configuration of assets and brand partnerships within the evolving Russian market landscape. For stakeholders in North America, the development highlights the importance of monitoring cross-border shifts in manufacturing ownership and the potential implications for global supply chains, regional tariffs, and the competitive landscape in the automotive sector.